in the deep

Maddox; 24; knight; protector of Atlantica's youngest princess; don't act like you know me

[elijahthetramp-blog]

“Never seen anything like ‘em before in my life. So to answer your question: no. I hadn’t ever seen anything like those strange paranormal substances before. I don’t see you offering up any explanation of what they were, for the record.”

[maddoxborealis-blog]

“I suppose something like that isn’t very commonplace anywhere, or people probably wouldn’t have reacted like they did. I just hope that whatever the hell they are they stay gone, I don’t want to ever see them again.” 

[maddoxborealis-blog]

MADDOX BOREALIS | ISTJ | “THE LOGISTICIAN”

+ honest and direct, strong-willed and dutiful, very responsible, calm and practical, create and enforce order, jacks-of-all trades - stubborn, insensitive, always by the book, judgemental, often unreasonably blame themselves

50% introverted; 36% observant; 55% thinking; 51% judging; 2% turbulent

“Their defining characteristics of integrity, practical logic and tireless dedication to duty make ISTJs a vital core to many families, as well as organizations that uphold traditions, rules and standards, such as law offices, regulatory bodies and military. People with the ISTJ personality type enjoy taking responsibility for their actions, and take pride in the work they do – when working towards a goal, ISTJs hold back none of their time and energy completing each relevant task with accuracy and patience. “

CHAOTIC NEUTRAL

“A chaotic neutral character follows his whims. He is an individualist first and last. He values his own liberty but doesn’t strive to protect others’ freedom. He avoids authority, resents restrictions, and challenges traditions. The chaotic neutral character does not intentionally disrupt organizations as part of a campaign of anarchy.”

[elijahthetramp-blog]

“Tell me about it–I don’t think I would’ve bothered to make an appearance if I knew those…those weird ghost things were going to wreak havoc on us all.”

[maddoxborealis-blog]

“I take it you have no more idea of what they were than I do. Which really isn’t helpful in all honesty.”

[maddoxborealis-blog]

“I knew that ball was going to be bad but if I knew that was going to happened I would have said something. Like a very firm no.”

[aladdinkarim-blog]

“Well it’s a blunt blade so that’s really all it would be good for cutting at this point,” he replied, laughing as he spoke. The laughter died away slowly, though, as the lights faded and a mysterious fog rolled in. Al stared at the floor as runes sprang up on it all around them. At first, he thought it might be an elaborate atmospheric show, although how the Maldonian prince had managed this was beyond him. Still, stage magic could do impressive things in the right hands. But then the first spectral figure rose out of the floor, chains rattling, and his brow began to furrow. Even the most skilled showman he’d ever seen couldn’t have managed an illusion like that. And the additional figures that rose closer to them looked so solid and real. Other people around them were laughing and applauding, still clearly under the impression that this was a trick, but as Al peered at a nearby cloaked being, a feeling of cold and terror began to seep through his body. Something was very wrong about this. Then he heard the shout from somewhere across the ballroom, and almost immediately the creatures began to set themselves on those closest to them, who had become suddenly rooted to the spot with looks of horror on their faces. Screams erupted around them, and All found himself pushed closer to Maddox as the crowd began scrambling away from the wraiths.

“Are you fucking kidding me?!” was the only thing that came to mind as one hand found his sword hilt, before he remembered his statement only moments before and realized that this sword was suddenly about as useful as a toothpick. “What are they?!”

[maddoxborealis-blog]

Maddox laughed along with him, silently congratulating himself on have the smarts to at least bring a semi-sharp blade to a party that was practically destined to be a disaster. As if cued by his thoughts the ball room darkened as the noise died away, there was a moment of oppressive silence before he saw the first marking on the floor. He had absolutely no idea what the strange, glowing markings on the floor meant just that they gave of an aura of danger that forced his already tense body to freeze on the spot. The people around him began to clap and it was the realization that the rest of the guests thought it was a show that allowed him to tighten the grip on his sword and drop into a position more suited to preparing to fight off an attack.

He heard the shouting before he saw them, large and terryifying to look at, the fleshless figure had chains rattling around it ankles as it turned to one of the patrons close to it who was suddenly frozen to the spot a look of horror on their face. The crowd swarmed, everyone heading for an exit at the same time, he watched as Aladdin reached for his sword as if he’d forgotten is statement just moments ago.

“I have no god damn idea but they sure as hell don’t look friendly.” He yelled over the screaming of the crowd, trying to decide if standing up to the creatures was really worth the risk. He glanced to his left, seeing a woman standing completely still, her face a mix of terror and pain before she collapased to the floor. On instinct he reached out and wrapped a hand tightly around one of Aladdin’s much smaller biceps and headed for the closest doorway. “There’s no point in fighting them with your toothpick of a sword, you won’t live long enough to even swing it.”

[maddoxborealis-blog]

Non-Alcoholic | Eric & Maddox

[princederic-blog]

Eric just wanted to enjoy a bit of a reprieve from the constant chatter and livelihood of the party before throwing himself right back into the thick of it all once more. And what better way to take a breather and calm down than to lounge over by the various snack and beverage tables that were stationed at each corner of the spacious ballroom? Eric had heard that Maldonia was a spicy melting pot of flavor of culture, and his mouth was practically salivating at the thought of trying some of their country’s cuisine. He’d heard that they featured beignets, a classic French dish that was also popular in most regions of Aldora, and couldn’t wait to get his hands on the deep fried pastry (and covered in powdered sugar, to boot!). Scattered across the tables were various Halloween-inspired food and drinks to choose from, and if the gentleman standing in front of would just move to the side for a moment so that Eric could pour himself some punch (perhaps the Goblin’s Goop or Witches Brew he saw laid out on the table), collect his precious beignets, and then scatter away and head back to the party.

What Prince Eric hadn’t been counting on, however, was the identity of the strange man he was waiting in line behind.

The moment the stranger looked over his shoulder–whether to acknowledge Eric’s presence with a nod or to respond, the young prince didn’t have the slightest clue–his face was thrown into the dim, shadowy light of the corners of the ballroom, and after a few moments of trying to decipher the familiarity of his strong, sharp features, Eric was able to identify the mystery man as none other than the same stranger he’d gotten into a bit of an argument with back at the Festival of Joy. How strange and unusual it was for Eric to run into him here of all places; it made sense for the stranger to attend the costume ball on some level, given that it was open for admission to all residents of Verden, but at the same time…this gentleman had abhorred the Festival of Joy with everything in him, so why would he put himself through this again? He’d claimed he’d come along purely for the sake of his friend last time–was his excuse the same this time around? Was he so indebted to his friend that he had to follow them around everywhere?

And was his interaction with Eric going to be as unpleasant and brutal as it was the last time?

When the stranger opened his mouth, Eric fully expected to be told off or cursed out (or, quite frankly, to be told he was going to have to deal with not having anything to eat or drink for the moment). So when the man instead commented on the heat of the room and acted as though he had no idea who in the world Eric was, Aldora’s prince blinked in bemusement. Was it possible that Eric had mistaken the man for someone else? No, no…looking closely at him, Eric was certain now more than ever that this was the man he’d gotten into a tiff with at the last realm-wide event. Eric licked his lips, fully prepared to say something, but decided instead that he’d go along with this strange little charade…for now.

“Er…” Eric began, fumbling over his speech as he made an effort to concentrate his energy on the increasingly bizarre conversation at hand. “Have you ever heard of Greek mythology? The ancient Greeks had their own god and goddess system; deities that they observed and obeyed. Different gods and goddesses wielded different powers and responsibilities. Poseidon was observed by them as the god of the sea and known protector of all aquatic creatures. And try the red drink on the far right; I saw a few people opt for it. One told me it was just fruit punch.”

[maddoxborealis-blog]

The man seemed completely taken aback by Maddox’s response but played along, as if he too wanted to avoid the unpleasantness associated with their last encounter. “Is Greek mythology anything like Roman? Unfortunately that’s the only mythology I know anything about.” Maddox kept his eyes on the table as he continued, secretly hoping the man actually just hadn’t recognized him. “God of the sea? Hm, that’s interesting, and explains the giant fork.”

He picked up one of the glasses and poured himself a cup of the drink that had been pointed out to him. Maddox was pleased to find that the drink was alcohol free and surprisingly refreshing. “Thank you, I appreciate it.”

While normally Maddox would be worried about asking something that was probably common knowledge among humans for fear of them asking too many questions or getting just a tad too curious for his taste he couldn’t help but question the man on the contents of the drink. “What exactly is fruit punch? It’s quite good but I’ve never had it before.”

As he waited for a response from the man beside him he weighed the cost and benefits of introducing himself properly. If the man did in fact recognize him then letting him know who he was may have repercussion but the flip side would be if he didn’t remember their less-than-stellar first meeting not introducing himself may spike suspicion. Without truly thinking it through, Maddox stuck his hand out towards the stranger. “I’m Maddox by the way. Nice to meet you.”

[aladdinkarim-blog]

“Yeahhh, probably. But I’m not thinking about that right now. Right now, there’s music and dancing and probably food around here somewhere, and that’s what I’m all about. I’ll be happier if the most I have to use this sword for is to cut cake. Mmm, that’s a nice way of looking at it. Like you’re hoping to set the course for your kid’s future. Certainly doesn’t always work out, though. You seem ‘beneficent’ enough to me, though, so maybe it worked out for you!”

[maddoxborealis-blog]

“That’s a good attitude, focus on right now as opposed to the probably terrifying future, good for you. It’s a little big to cut cake but I second that, I’d rather not have to hit any flesh tonight. I always thought it was too, if not unhelpfully optimistic. Things never really work out the way you want them to and I’d say it didn’t really work out for me either but I suppose what other people see is probably different from what I see.”

[maddoxborealis-blog]

Maddox and Eric

who cooks normally?:

Maddox is a surprisingly great cook but absolutely hates it and gets super stressed about it so Eric usually ends up cooking.

how often do they fight?:

They don't often have big fights but little squabbles are quite common, it is Maddox after all.

what do they do when they’re away from each other?:

Neither one is overtly clingy so they mostly just go about their day to day lives. If they're going to be separated for a while they will write letters to each other though.

nicknames for each other?:

Maddox doesn't really do nicknames and if Eric has one for him he’s not aware of it.

who is more likely to pay for dinner?:

Maddox will always try to but Eric shamelessly brings up the whole “I have more than enough money to pay for this” thing and Maddox really can't combat it.

who steals the covers at night?:

Eric, Maddox is a firm believer that people can share covers if they try and has become pretty good at not stealing them from other people.

what would they get each other for gifts?:

Maddox you either give Eric something to do with sailing—a very nice compass, perhaps?—or something he found on the ocean floor. Eric would, in turn, get Maddox something that would be meaning full without pushing human culture on him.

who kissed who first?:

It was mostly simultaneous, a spurr of the moment type of thing.

who made the first move?:

Eric did, Maddox was incredibly wary of the idea as a whole but warmed up a little after a while

who remembers things?:

They both remember most things, and if one doesn’t the other does.

who started the relationship?:

Once again this is Eric. Maddox actually tried to avoid Eric for a bit after he pitched the idea but it didn’t last long.

who cusses more?:

Maddox, Eric is, after all, a prince and while that doesn't mean he never swears it does mean he cusses less than a man that spent several years as part of an underwater gang

what would they do if the other one was hurt?:

Maddox would raise hell until whoever did it was punished, he’s not about to lose another person he cares about. Eric, would also see to the perpetrator being punished by in a much more refined and legal manner.

[aladdinkarim-blog]

“Fingers crossed we’ll all get lucky and that woman will decide to stay home and have her own party tonight. Just in case, though, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. Nice to meet you, Maddox. It’s Agraban, actually. My caretakers growing up said it meant “nobility” or “faith” or something like that, I don’t remember. Name meanings so rarely fit their owners, at least that I’ve seen. Where does ‘Maddox’ come from? I don’t think I’ve ever met one before now.”

[maddoxborealis-blog]

“As much as I hate to admit it, that is not likely but we can all hope. Very true, preparation is never a bad thing. My mother used to tell me people pick names with meanings that they want to apply to their child as opposed to things that they know will. She made it sound as lot more poetic but the meaning is the same. Maddox means beneficent, which is just a fancy word for generous and I can’t say mine applies to me all of the time either. It’s quite a unique name, I have no idea how my parents came up with it unfortunately.”

[maddoxborealis-blog]

kristoffsbjorgman:

“Arendelle’s known for having cold weather, but I almost think that’s owed to our queen’s known ice and snow powers more than anything else. I think I’ll be okay, but you’ll be the first to know if my skin starts falling off.”

“Yes, I can imagine that would be something you’re well known for. I always forget which kingdom is known for what but I do remember hearing about a queen with ice powers. I’m not entirely sure what I’d do with that information but I’m sure if it happens I can figure something out.”

[gastonnbouchard]

“Good luck with that. As if Maleficent would just leave things alone so soon. Keep in mind we didn’t know women could turn into dragons up until a few weeks ago. Just because they aren’t common doesn’t mean they aren’t already here. Really, if anyone had a little sense around here they’d be a bit more wary of what’s going on tonight. It’s still a party, but I don’t plan on enjoying it. I’m just here to prove that I’m right.”

[maddoxborealis-blog]

“I can imagine just how shocking of a discovery that must be, people being able to turn into something else. It must be terrifying to know that not everyone is what they look like. It’s pretty obvious that anyone attending this ball completely by choice is already lacking in the sense department although being here just to prove you’re right really isn’t any better.”

[aladdinkarim-blog]

“No worries, I understand. This bad boy’s staying in its sheath tonight; it’s just for show so it’s not sharp or anything, but swords aren’t really my area of expertise. Why yes, I am, well remembered! Never even got a chance to light it, either, which I’m still a little sad about. But anyway. I don’t think I got around to introducing myself. Aladdin Karim. And you are?”

[maddoxborealis-blog]

“I wish I had thought of a sheath, I get to carry this around all night. Considering how that whole event ended that may not be a bad thing. I’m Maddox Borealis. Aladdin is an interesting name, where is that from?”

[aladdinkarim-blog]

“Whoa, watch out! You could have put someone’s eye out with that! I mean, you look great, don’t get me wrong, but I’d kind of like to keep both my eyes, you know?”

[maddoxborealis-blog]

“Understandable, eyes are fairly important parts of the body. Sorry about that, this sword is much lighter than I’m used to. Aren’t you the guy with the mysteriously acquired lantern from the festival?”

[kristoffsbjorgman-blog]

“The last thing I wanted–or expected–was to leave this ball a baked chicken. Though…truthfully, I hadn’t really considered how different Maldonia’s climate would be from Arendelle. Back home, traipsing about the North Mountain, a hat like this would come in handy! But here? My head’s practically melting. I feel like candle wax.”

[maddoxborealis-blog]

“I’m not used to a climate this hot and humid either, although from what I remember Arendelle is colder than where I’m from too. As long as your head doesn’t actually melt I think we’ll be okay. That would be a terrible mess to clean up.”

[kristoffsbjorgman-blog]

“This fuzzy, velvety hat is a lot hotter than I thought it would be… and a lot itchier, too.”

“I suppose that’s the price Santa Claus pays, though.”

[maddoxborealis-blog]

“Better you than me. I wouldn’t want to be wearing something hot like that, you might come out of your costume well done.”

[gastonnbouchard]

“Forgetting the end of the last festival is the whole point of this function. No one wants to remember having a great night only to have it ruined by a dragon. It;s bad for morale. The costume aspect just makes it riskier. So I’ve heard as well. It doesn’t change the fact that a party isn’t what we should be focusing on right now more as the crazy witch who is most likely prowling among us as we speak.”

[maddoxborealis-blog]

“i wouldn’t be surprised if most people were just trying to forget the dragon, let alone the celebration it ruined. I can’t imagine they’re that common up here. Don’t get me wrong, I completely agree with you. This is probably the most ill-timed party ever but it’s still a party and wishing it wasn’t happening or that you weren’t here won’t change a thing.”

[maddoxborealis-blog]

Non-Alcoholic | Eric & Maddox

[princederic-blog]

Eric wasn’t going to lie: he was genuinely surprised that Prince Naveen and his family were still opting to host a Halloween ball after everything that had (unfortunately) happened at the Festival of Joy not so very long ago. Maleficent’s surprise show she put on just as the lanterns were ready to be released into the sky had frightened the people of Verden senseless. All across the various nations that occupied the magical realm, Prince Eric knew that many a husband, wife, mother, and father had tucked their loved ones away in the hopes of escaping Maleficent’s reign of terror. It was clear to Eric–more so now than ever before–that this witch, this dark faerie, would stop at nothing to achieve her goal of conquering all of Verden and the people that dwelt within its magical boundaries. And with the knowledge that she could turn into a bloody dragon of all things (a dragon!), Eric was beyond petrified that Aldora and his people would be next.

What would it take to stop a monster? What sort of wake up call would he and the rest of the rulers of Verden need before they put costume parties and festivals aside in favor of taking up arms to tear down Maleficent and her minions before it was too late?

Luckily, no matter how ill-planned or how wretched the timing for the costume ball was, it was still a smashing hit for everyone who seemed to be in attendance this evening. Eric had already stumbled across several friendly faces–nobility from his own royal court, some of the advisers who worked for his father, some of his mother’s friends and their accompanying children, and even Princess Aurora Rose from Mirindra. People seemed to be in relatively high spirits, all things considered, and Eric took that as a good sign and a stroke of good luck for the remainder of the evening. After greeting some of the people from his nation as well as floating noblemen and women from other lands who had spoken with the Aldoran Prince before, Eric decided to slip away and grab himself a refreshment–perhaps even a snack or two, as well. He was supposed to meet  a certain someone at the ball this evening, and his palms were growing clammy with just the thought of running across the mystery redhead he’d met at the Festival of Joy not so very long ago.

Yet another reason why he needed a cold beverage; he had to get in the perfect frame of mind before his date for the evening met back up with him again!

By the time Eric had finally managed to approach the nearest beverage table, he saw that it was occupied by a man dressed in what Eric could only describe as some sort of gladiator ensemble. Glancing down at his own Poseidon outfit–complete with strappy sandals and a triden to boot!–Eric wondered if the gentleman whose back was now facing him had consulted any sort of ancient mythology and culture for his costume, as well.

“Excuse me,” Eric called out over the roar of the costume, leaning forward slightly so that the man could hear him. “You don’t mind scooching over just a hair, do you? I’d just like to grab myself some punch and maybe a treat or two to snack on! It’s quite hot in here!”

[maddoxborealis-blog]

The combination of music, drunk laughter and people talking was easily loud enough to wake the dead but since Maddox wasn't dead, which at this moment he considered unfortunate, all it did was give him a splitting headache. The oppressing heat only made things worse and so when someone approached him from behind and he wasn't paying proper attention, something he'd get mad at himself for later, it took him a moment to react. In the dim light he didn't immediately recognize the man, although he did have to stop himself from laughing at what was obviously supposed to be a trident, so he moved aside to let him access the table.

He looked over to respond to his comment on the heat—and hopefully get help to pick out a drink—when his companions face was thrown into the yellowish glow from the gas lamps decorating the walls, briefly defining high cheekbone. It took him a second to place the chiselled jawline and wavy black hair but he quickly realized that the man beside him was the same man that had, for lack of better word, scolded him for not being chipper enough at the festival not too long ago. He dimly recalled the man telling him he was from Aldora, complete with his countries claim to fame, before being whisked away by someone calling him "your highness." Maddox prided himself on being at least moderately intelligent and had already put together from their previous encounter that this man was a prince, although he couldn't remember what the prince from Aldora's name was aside from the fact that it was relatively short and that is was not Steve.

In an effort to avoid being told off once again by a man that couldn't have been more than five years older then him, Maddox decided to pretend he didn't recognize him and attempted to make small talk. "It is quite hot in here, isn't it? It's not that much nicer outside either, which is unfortunate. That's an... interesting costume you've got there. What—or who—are you supposed to be exactly?"

He quirked an eyebrow hoping his question didn't offend the stranger, who may have, incorrectly, thought his costume easily recognizable. Maddox glanced down at his ensemble, noticing some similar elements between the two and tried to recall some of the other notable persona's from the book he'd gotten his costume idea from. He briefly recalled a section on mythological gods featuring a picture of a man holding a trident similar to the one next to him but he couldn't remember the name because he didn't at the time deem it necessary to remember. "You wouldn't be able to tell me which of these drinks doesn't have alcohol in it would you? I'm terrible at being able to tell."